Best Shellac Nail Polish [Review] in 2022
written by nail expert Jess Rowley
Beetles Red Gel Nail Polish Set
TOP CHOICE
GAOY Glitter Shellac Nail Polish
OUR PICK
Gellen Gel Nail Polish Kit
RUNNER UP
Tired of going through knock-offs in the name of shellac nail polish?
A lot of people are made victims of this trap, you’re not alone.
But I have looked at over 53 different shellac nail polish brands to bring you 8 of the best ones out there!
With so many manufacturers trying to make their formula work, it is hard to find one that has the correct mix of gel and polish.
Now, the good news!
I made sure all the shellac nail polishes included in today’s guide have just the right amount of gel, for durability and nail protection, and the right amount of nail polish for color and shine.
Here’s a tip for you; Go for a brand that provides you with the right tools as well, and not just the polish, for correct application and tenacity.
With that said, let’s dive in, shall we?
6.4k
Reveiws considered
5
hours spent finding
17
Products compared
8
articles
studied
Top Picks Of The Best shellac nail polishes
Beetles Red Gel Nail Polish Set
best shellac nail polish kit
A shellac nail polish should surprise and inspire you! It should be able to get you off your feet, and that is what Beetles aim to achieve with their Burgandy red shimmer shellac nail polish.
That is, however, not the only color you can go for as you also have the option for blue jean baby, bridesmaid beauty, pastel, red, red-white-blue, and summer pool party. So, you have all sorts of variety when it comes to color.
Speaking of color, Beetles have put out the top 6 trendiest colors for each color category, so you never get bored. It is a professional gel nail polish made from 9 toxic-free ingredients, making it environment-friendly and healthy.
But that’s not all.Â
You will not be met with any harsh ingredients and adhesives that damage nails. Even the odor is negligible. The application is very simple and easy as the brush provided has smooth and fine bristles and works like a charm.
It lasts you a very long time. The company claims 21+ days, so there is nothing to worry about. Just dry the polish under an LED lamp/UV light for a few minutes, and you will be good to go!
So, get ready for an amazing gel manicure with Beetles Gel Polish and grab one for yourself right away!
- Nice base and top coat
- Perfect for in-home and professional gel manicures
- Toxic-free ingredients and negligible odor
- Long-lasting/more than three weeks
- Could have shade labels
Latest deal: Beetles Red Gel Nail Polish Set
GAOY Glitter Gray Soak Off Shellac Nail Polish
Say goodbye to regular polish with the shellac nail polish line from GAOY! Whether it’s a glitter coat you like or a solid color with high tenacity, GAOY has got you covered.
The package includes 6 x 0.25Fl Oz shellac nail polish bottles that have the right ratio of gel and polish to give a nice adhesive base and a vibrant bright solid color on top.
Unlike regular polish, the pigmentation of these colors is a lot more pronounced and gives a confident look. The bottle is durable and made from high-quality materials, just like the ingredients of the gel.
It will not break and the brush included inside also has refined bristles, so you don’t run into application problems. Speaking of application, you will be done with putting it on in no time, thanks to the easy process it brings.
Whether it’s a home nail polish session or a manicure done by professionals, GOAY is the way to go! This company certainly likes to keep your safety in mind with an SGS certification.
This means the polish is made from non-toxic ingredients and is eco-friendly.
As far as longevity is concerned, the polish stays liquid and doesn’t dry out with time. It is also long-lasting as it lasts for more than 21 days on your nails.
GOAY always has professional nail technicians standby for help should you run into any problems. This one has confidently earned its spot on your dressing table!
- High-quality nail lacquer/ doesn’t require UV or led
- Non-toxic ingredients and durable bottle
- Nice brush with quality bristles
- Long-lasting/more than three weeks
- Nail lacquer could use higher gel content
Latest deal: GAOY Glitter Gray Soak Off Shellac Nail Polish
Gellen Gel Nail Polish Kit
How many bottles of nail polish would you go through before finally getting one that works? Stop the hunt today, as Gellen has the perfect solution for you. Their shellac nail paint formula is the perfect match for your nails.
Let the results speak for themselves as the polish has a mirror shine finish. The colors look absolutely pretty and professional. This lands me perfectly on the next point that this polish can be used in-home and in a professional setting.
The ingredients used are sourced from the best places, ensuring they are free of toxins and environment-friendly. You will not get allergic reactions to this nail polish unless you have particular allergies to the ingredients.
The application process is a breeze as the brush has finely put-together bristles that take up the nail polish and dispense it at an even rate, enabling you to get a professional-grade fine coat in the comfort of your home.
Putting on nail paint has never felt more smooth!
The gel to polish ratio speaks volumes here as it has just enough gel to stay on for 2 weeks and just enough polish to give a nice vibrant mirror-like shine.
It is made from natural resin, which allows it to wear like gel and gives it great tenacity. After applying it, all you need to do is let it set under a UV light, and you are good to go. Wear your shellac nail paint with confidence with Gellen!
- Perfect match for your nails
- Mirror-like shine and nice gel volume
- Quality brush that dispenses nice thin layers
- Long-lasting and remove gel with no issues
- Numbers don’t match the list
Latest deal: Gellen Gel Nail Polish Kit:
AIMEILI Soak Off UV LED Gel Nail Polish
AIMEILI is back with an ace up their sleeves with their shellac nail gel formula that will rock your world! The shellac formula has the right amount of gel and polish, so you get a nice adhesive coat without damaging your nails.
The glimmery coat speaks for itself when you put it on. The vibrance in color will draw anyone towards it. The magic potion in the shape of this nail gel is dispensed evenly and with perfection using a refined brush that is great for a quick manicure session.
Whether sitting in your house or doing it professionally, this one is definitely the way to go. Although the ingredients used are sourced from quality places, you could still run into allergic reactions.
So, always have a word with your doctor and read the ingredient list before use. With that said, none of the ingredients used are toxic, and they are environment-friendly as well.
You get a 21-day high-gloss wear which can come off just as easily as it goes on.
It does require drying under a UV bulb, but that would hardly take you a minute or two. The rose nude color is translucent pink, mostly clean and clear, enabling you to have a very natural look to your nails with a touch of style.
This one has clearly outdone any traditional polish, and the manicure will last weeks without coming off. The nail color will mesmerize you, and this salon gel is an easy recommendation.
- High-quality clear pink coat
- Great nail care and refined brush
- Lasts for weeks without coming off
- Comes off easily and is toxin-free
- Has a slightly rubbery feeling
Latest deal: AIMEILI Soak Off UV LED Gel Nail Polish:
5.
Gelish Mini Holiday gel polish
Gelish is here to disrupt a few things in the shellac nail polish category as their formula provides a clean coat with refined edges that will leave you in awe. The absolute glam that you are in for is out of this world!
One of the best things about this nail polish is the variety of color options that you get. You have bare and toasty, be my sugarplum, don’t snow-flake on me, fa-la-love that color, and liquid forest, to name a few.
The performance is just as fun and whole as the names for their colors, as the polishes have enough gel to adhere well without being too sticky or damaging the nails. The color component has properties like tenacity and high shine that will look pretty on any occasion.
The ingredients are sourced well and have non-toxic qualities. The bottle also looks beautiful, and the brush included has nice refined bristles for an even uninterrupted coat. The coat will easily last you for over 2 weeks which says a lot about the product.
You can wear it on your nails confidently without worrying about it coming off.
Speaking of coming off, it does come off easily when you want it to. The gel will cure quickly under a UV bulb which means you do need one, but it will not hassle.
The base coats on this one are solid, and you will never be disappointed in the look. Set your ideas free with this one, and grab yours now!
- All flavors from light to dark
- Non-toxic ingredients and a nice refined brush
- Quick cure under lamp
- Free flow polish that lasts long
- Requires three coats for the best coverage
Latest deal: Gelish Mini Holiday Gel Polish
6.
Kiara Sky Gel Polish
Kiara Sky has been in the nail polish business for a long time, so if anyone knows how to make it good, it’s them. And they prove it with their shellac formula that has the right proportions of gel and polish.
This enables a nice adhesive coat that does not damage the nails in any way and stays on for at least 2 weeks before giving in. You can, of course, take it off easily as well whenever you like.
The color is vibrant with just a few coats, and you can tone it to your preference easily.
Whether it’s a light or a dark shade you want, you can always control it with the nice brush included that has smooth bristles, great for dispensing the paint evenly and accurately. No more going over that nails onto the skin with this one.
This nail polish quite literally has everything you need in proper professional-grade nail polish. And the best bit is that you can use it in the comfort of your own home as well. The ingredients used are toxins-free and environment-friendly.
You will not be harming the wildlife with this brand. That is something that only adds to the boosted confidence this nail polish has to provide.
For what you get, we are proud to say the price is right with this one! You would love the results you get here.
- Toxin-free ingredients
- Good gel and polish ratio
- Nice adhesion and smooth application
- Stays on for a long time
- Could be a thicker polish
Latest deal: Kiara Sky Gel Polish
7.
CND Shellac Gel Nail Polish
CND is here to stay, and that is what they prove with their shellac formula. Bringing the most out of nail polish, CND has shown once again what it really means to dominate in a booming market for nail polish.
The finish type is glossy, which means the colors are super vibrant and shiny, which is always a great thing. Speaking of colors, you also get many options for choosing them, like a charm and hot pop pink, to name a few.
All shades of red so you can really dial in precisely what color you want. You can even mix different colors to really flex your creative muscle.
Everything you need is in here; even the gel content is enough to keep your nails protected from elements without damaging them. The ingredients used are sourced from fine places that pay attention to quality.
The bottle is durable as well, and the brush is a work of art.
It spreads the polish like butter, making sure you get precise and dextrous control over your nails. You will never go out of line, and the polish will stay on for 3 weeks easy without chipping. Of course, if you want to take it out, you can do that easily.
You will need to cure it under a lamp for 30 seconds, after which you are ready to go. Light or dark, CND has you covered. So, what are you waiting for? Get one right away!
- Everything you need in a nail polish
- Good adhesion and nice color
- Great brush and durable bottle
- Stays on for long/light or dark shade of your choice
- Could be darker
Latest deal: CND Shellac Gel Nail Polish
8.
Modelones Gel Nail Polish
If premium stuff is your jam, then consider Modelones, the king of luxury. With their line of shellac nail polish, you will never be disappointed in nail paint again.
Whether it is a special occasion or a casual evening with friends, have your glam on and ready to go at all times. The paint is made from high-quality ingredients sourced from the finest of places. It is non-toxic, cruelty-free, and environment-friendly.
You will not just be saving your outings with friends, but animals as well with this one! The bottle is just an amazing work of art, and so is the brush that has by far the best thread count for the nicest application experience you will ever find.
It spreads evenly like butter and does not pose a problem whatsoever.
Whether it is done professionally or in the comfort of your home, Modelones has got just the right formula for you. Speaking of formula, the ratio of gel to polish is perfect.
This means enough gel for good adhesion on your nails without chipping or breaking them. The color pops vibrantly in a way you will love. It lasts for the longest time as well with over 2 weeks promised by the company.
It will come off easily when you want it to without causing any problems. You will need to cure it for 30 seconds under a lamp, and the price is a little high, but that is about it.
Get ready for a luxurious adventure with Modelones.
- High-quality ingredients
- Durable bottle and fine brush
- Nice adhesion and vibrant color
- Lasts for a long time and cure quickly
- Price is high
Latest deal: Modelones Gel Nail Polish
What To Look For In Shellac Nail Polish:
Quality:
The quality of a shellac nail polish depends heavily on the ingredients and where they are sourced from. If the ingredients are nice and high-quality, you will always get a good product out of them.
Another huge determinant of quality is the ratio in which the gel and the polish are mixed. This plays into the price of the nail polish as well.
The gel and polish need to be mixed in precise ratios to guarantee a product that doesn’t damage the nails in any way while still delivering peak performance. All these factors play a major role in the quality of nail polish.
All the products we included today are mixed well and sourced from the best places ever!
Price:
This depends on the quality and the brand you buy into, but many manufacturers are just looking to rip customers off just for maximum profits.
We made sure that doesn’t happen by studying the economics of the nail polish market and by bringing you the best bank for your buck! You will be pleased with what you get for the price you pay to say the least!
Longevity:
Longevity depends on how good of a coat the nail polish lays down on your nails. Higher gel content translates to good coats but could also damage your nails if done out of proportion. The formula of every nail polish we have tested for you today will not be a disappointing factor.
All you need to do now is show a little skill while applying or have it done by a professional as these polishes are good for both professional and in-home use. A few coats can do wonders for you and last a very long time.
For most of them, upwards of 21 days is promised. Of course, you can take it off easily whenever you so wish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do gel shellac nails last?
Gell shellac nails are built to last a long time. So, you shouldn’t be surprised to see them last you 2 weeks. But some of these claims last even more than that. So, longevity is not an issue whatsoever.
How to apply shellac nails?
There is a step by step process you can follow to apply shellac nails:
- First, you prepare the nails by filing each nail into the shape you want. You can clean to remove dust and make sure there are no rough edges.
- You can push the cuticles of your nail back to prep them for application, but don’t push them too far back not to damage them.
- Now apply a shellac base coat, ensuring you don’t go too far back not to enter the finger. But make sure you cover the entire nail perfectly. Do the same to all nails.
- Now you need to cure each hand under a UV LED light bulb to ensure they are cured perfectly before proceeding forward. 2 minutes should do the trick. This process is essential for a nice application.
- Now you are ready for the color. Apply the nail polish in layers, making sure you apply it evenly and smoothly. Keep your layers as thin as possible.
- After all the nails are painted, put your hand under the UV LED lamp again to allow it to set and cure. You need to do this between every layer you lay down.
- Now you can apply the top coat once again to give them that shine and glimmer.
- For the last time, put your nails under an LED bulb for a minute, and voila! You are good to go.
How long to cure gel nails with LED light?
The basecoat and topcoat take around 2 minutes, but the shellac gel nail polish would cure in 30 seconds.
Will gel wreck your nails?
Although gel manicures last for a long time and are beautiful, they could also be harsh on the nails. They can cause your nails to become brittle, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk of skin ailments.
But all the products we reviewed today minimize all these risks significantly by using quality ingredients.
How to remove shellac nails?
Place a cotton ball over each nail, then wrap it with foil to keep it in contact with the nails. This will allow the cotton to stay in contact with the gel.
Let the nail soak for 10 to 15 minutes, or until you start seeing polish flaking along the edges. It will soon come off now. Repeat with the other hand.
What are shellac nails?
Shellac nails are a mix of nail polish and gel in a specific ratio that enables them to last for a very long time and look more vibrant and shiny. These nails need to be cured under UV lamps after application, but that is part of the process, and you get amazing results at the end.
Shellac nails are great for people who like long-lasting nails that look super vibrant. Just make sure you don’t use shellac nail polish too much.
Summary
Shellac nails are a must-have for your nails if you love shiny nails that are vibrant and long-lasting. The manufacturers we looked at today all provide great impressive quality when it comes to ingredients used and the application process.
The brushes used are refined and smooth.
The polish itself has a great formula nailing the ratios to make sure you get the perfect mix of polish and gel. It is fast-absorbing and stays on for as long as 21 days. The color reproduction is high, and the adhesion is perfect without damaging your nails.
So, performance is a total non-issue. You require a UV lamp to cure your nails after applying the shellac nail polishes featured today, but all of them require it.
And the good thing is that these will hardly take 30 seconds under the lamp compared to other brands that usually take 2 to 3 minutes. That could feel like forever in the makeup world, especially when you are on a time crunch. So, no more worries!
We believe you deserve the best when it comes to nail grooming, and that is exactly what we aimed for. No matter which one you go for, you will be met with high-quality and performance.
Get ready for an absolutely incredible experience!
Jess Rowley
Cheif Editor & Nail Technician Expert
ABOUT
Jess Rowley, a veteran nail tech, has been studying beauty over the last 11 years and has completed the nail technology program in California. Watching the latest trends in beauty, Jess searches for the highest quality products that make your nails feel loved.
